The distribution and habitat associations of non-native plant species in urban riparian habitats

Maskell, L. C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4006-7755; Bullock, J. M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0529-4020; Smart, S. M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2750-7832; Thompson, K.; Hulme, P. E.. 2006 The distribution and habitat associations of non-native plant species in urban riparian habitats. Journal of Vegetation Science, 17. 499-508. 10.1658/1100-9233(2006)17[499:TDAHAO]2.0.CO;2

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Abstract/Summary

Questions: 1. What are the distribution and habitat associations of non-native (neophyte) species in riparian zones? 2. Are there significant differences, in terms of plant species diversity, composition, habitat condition and species attributes, between plant communities where non-natives are present or abundant and those where non-natives are absent or infrequent? 3. Are the observed differences generic to non-natives or do individual non-native species differ in their vegetation associations? Location: West Midlands Conurbation (WMC), UK. Methods: 56 sites were located randomly on four rivers across the WMC. Ten 2 m × 2 m quadrats were placed within 15 m of the river to sample vegetation within the floodplain at each site. All vascular plants were recorded along with site information such as surrounding land use and habitat types. Results: Non-native species were found in many vegetation types and on all rivers in the WMC. There were higher numbers of non-natives on more degraded, human-modified rivers. More non-native species were found in woodland, scrub and tall herb habitats than in grasslands. We distinguish two types of communities with non-natives. In communities colonized following disturbance, in comparison to quadrats containing no non-native species, those with non-natives had higher species diversity and more forbs, annuals and shortlived monocarpic perennials. Native species in quadrats containing non-natives were characteristic of conditions of higher fertility and pH, had a larger specific leaf area and were less stress tolerant or competitive. In later successional communities dominated by particular non-natives, native diversity declined with increasing cover of non-natives. Associated native species were characteristic of low light conditions. Conclusions: Communities containing non-natives can be associated with particular types of native species. Extrinsic factors (disturbance, eutrophication) affected both native and non-native species. In disturbed riparian habitats the key determinant of diversity is dominance by competitive invasive species regardless of their native or non-native origin.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1658/1100-9233(2006)17[499:TDAHAO]2.0.CO;2
Programmes:	CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Biodiversity
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	_ Ecosystem Assessment & Forecasting _ Ecosystem Dynamics _ Population & Conservation Ecology
ISSN:	1100-9233
Additional Keywords:	alien, biological invasion, Fallopia, habitat preference, Impatiens, plant attribute, species richness
NORA Subject Terms:	Botany Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	08 May 2008 10:23 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/2891

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